The next time you visit TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or HomeGoods, you might notice an employee wearing a body camera. Does it seem odd? TJX Companies, the stores’ parent company, said the action is intended to keep both consumers and employees safe. “Body cameras are just one of the many ways that we work to support a safe store environment,” a spokeswoman for the firm told Boston 25 News.
“This involves several policies, trainings, and procedures. We hope that these body cameras will help us de-escalate events, deter criminality, and show our staff and customers that we take shop safety seriously.”Though the move may be viewed as controversial, Carol Spieckerman, a retail expert who talked with the Boston Globe, believes it makes sense for businesses such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods to deploy body cameras.
“A big part of their model is this unpredictable, treasure-hunt environment where you never know what’s going to be there tomorrow; that’s what drives more frequent trips, and it’s a really successful model,” she told me. “But it also means that it’s sometimes more difficult to keep track of inventory.” While it is unclear when the cameras will be turned on, TJX has stated that it will only provide video material if sought by law police or in response to a subpoena. What are your thoughts on this new safety measure? Is this too much, or do you believe it will make purchasing safer?